Bahuda Jatra: Return journey of Lord Jagannath, His siblings underway in Puri

Puri: Lakhs of devotees thronged the pilgrim town of Puri in Odisha to witness the Bahuda Jatra (return journey) of Lord Jagannath and His siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra from the Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple here, today.

As per rituals, idols of the deities were escorted to their respective chariots by servitors in Pahandi, a ceremonial procession.

The Pahandi ritual commenced at around 8.20 am as Lord Sudarsan was taken to the Debadalana chariot of Devi Subhadra.

Similarly, Lord Balabhadra’s Pahandi began at around 8.50 am as He was escorted to His Taladhwaja chariot.

Later, Pahandi of Devi Subhadra started at around 9 am as She was placed on Her chariot by the servitors.

Eventually, Lord Jagannath’s Pahandi commenced at around 9.30 am as the atmosphere reverberated with chants of ‘Jai Jagannath’ by the servitors and devotees.

After completion of Chhera Pahanra ritual, the three chariots were pulled towards the Shree Jagannath Temple by devotees.

Bahuda Jatra holds equal significance like Ratha Jatra when deities will proceed towards their abode Srimandir after staying seven days at their birthplace Gundicha Temple.

The administration has made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival.